Empire Star Taraji P Henson Breaks Down, Says She Considered Quitting Acting Over Pay Inequality

• Empire actress Taraji P. Henson has said that she does not get paid enough in Hollywood despite having been in the industry for over 20 years
• She explained that black actors specifically are paid less compared to white actors, with productions saying black actors don't have enough pull
• She broke into tears, disclosing that she has had to establish and diversify into other businesses to pay her bills

US actress Taraji P. Henson has decried the pay disparity in the Hollywood acting scene.

Taraji P. Henson on what she makes as an actress

The actress known for her captivating role (Cookie) in the series Empire said that black actors are often underpaid compared to their white counterparts.

In an interview with Gayle King, the actress broke down in tears when asked whether she wanted to quit acting, as speculation suggested.

She said she was tired of being paid less than she was worth despite working so hard.

"I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do...getting paid a fraction of the cost."

I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ Well, I have to. The math ain’t mathing and when you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. It’s a whole team behind us. They have to get paid," she said.

Taraji explained that most of her money goes to taxes and paying the team that facilitates her.

"I’m only human and it seems like every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate I’m at the bottom again like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired. I’m tired. It wears on you,"she remarked.

Taraji P. Henson blasts Hollywood productions

She added that in Hollywood, despite having 20 years under her belt, she is often told black actors don't translate overseas and that there is not enough money, yet the same productions pay other actors a lot more.

She added that because of this, she has learned not to depend on her talent and has been forced to branch out into other revenue streams.

"Enough is enough! That’s why I have other because of this industry...if you let it, it will steal your soul. I refuse to let that happen.”

US actor Dominic supports strike over better pay

In another story, a US actor, Dominic Burgess weighed in on the actors' strike against Studios in October.

The actor, who starred in several Hollywood productions such as Modern Family and The Good Place, said he supports the Screen Actors Guild's decision to strike, adding that he has bills to pay.

The guild was seeking better pay for actors.